Related Experiment Videos
[New prospects in the etiology of groin hernias]
1Service universitaire de chirurgie abdominale, clinique A-Renard, Herstal, Belgique.
Aim Of The Study:
To explore new etiological hypotheses of groin hernias, using a biomechanical and histochemical study of the transversalis fascia and of the rectus sheath.
Patients And Methods:
The samples were collected from 63 patients with uni- or bilateral hernias and from 30 control subjects without hernia. The biomechanical properties were assessed using a computerized-suction device (Cutometer). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson-trichrome and double-stained with sirius red and orcein.
Results:
There was no major biomechanical and histological difference between the control and patient aponeuroses. The patient fasciae from the non-herniated sides presented an increased extensibility and elasticity, as compared with the control fasciae. Those fasciae also showed a collagen framework with disorganized areas and an increased number of isolated fibers.
Conclusion:
The transversalis fascia from the nonherniated side appears to be a pathological fascia. Therefore, a connective tissue pathology seems to be involved in the genesis of groin hernias, with a preferential manifestation in the inguinal region which affects mainly the collagen fibers.